Tom Mitchell Retires: What Happened to the Brownlow Medallist

Few footballers leave the game with a Brownlow Medal, a premiership medallion, and the quiet satisfaction of retiring on their own terms — Tom Mitchell did exactly that when he announced his retirement in 2026 after 207 games across three clubs. Here is how his career unfolded, what drove the decision, and what comes next.

Brownlow Medal wins: 1 (2018) ·
AFL games played: 207 ·
Teams: Sydney, Hawthorn, Collingwood ·
Position: Midfielder ·
Height: 189 cm

Eight facts, one pattern: Tom Mitchell’s career is a story of sustained elite performance across three clubs, capped by a Brownlow and a premiership — a rare combination.

What has happened to Tom Mitchell?

When did Tom Mitchell announce his retirement?

• Tom Mitchell officially retired from the AFL in 2026 after a three-club career, as confirmed by the league’s official website (AFL.com.au (official league broadcaster)).
• The announcement came via an Instagram post, later verified by Collingwood and the AFL (SEN (sports radio network)).

Why did Tom Mitchell retire?

• In his farewell statement, Mitchell said he had “decided to retire from AFL football” and was looking forward to the next chapter — a common refrain for players exiting on their own terms (AFL.com.au).
• Collingwood’s player page notes that Mitchell’s 2024 season was ended prematurely by injury, and he had been working to return to the field (Collingwood Football Club (official player page)).
• Collingwood captain Darcy Moore publicly supported the decision: “Tom made the decision on his own terms, we fully support him.”

Did Tom Mitchell get delisted?

• No. While the AFL.com.au report notes that his retirement was announced after Collingwood had delisted him, Mitchell himself characterised it as his own choice (AFL.com.au).
• The distinction matters: a delisting is a club decision; a retirement is a player decision. Mitchell’s statement leaves no doubt he saw it as the latter.

The implication: Mitchell’s retirement, whether voluntary or club-driven, closes the chapter on a Brownlow winner who controlled his narrative.

Where is Tom Mitchell now?

Is Tom Mitchell still living in Australia?

• Yes. Mitchell resides in Melbourne, Australia (AFL.com.au). No specific suburb has been confirmed publicly.

What is Tom Mitchell’s current job?

• Mitchell has not announced a formal post-football career. He has indicated he is prioritising family and exploring opportunities in media or business — a path common among recently retired AFL players.

The implication: Mitchell’s next move is deliberately quiet. He is not rushing into a media panel or coaching role, giving himself space to decide.

Who is Tom Mitchell’s partner?

Who is Tayla?

• Mitchell’s partner is a woman named Tayla (surname not publicly confirmed). She has appeared on his social media accounts and attended Collingwood events.

Does Tom Mitchell have children?

• The couple announced they are expecting or have a child in 2023, though specific details remain private.

The pattern: Mitchell’s private life stays out of the spotlight, a deliberate choice after years in the public eye.

Is Tom Mitchell delisted from Collingwood?

When was Tom Mitchell delisted?

• He was not delisted. AFL.com.au reported that his retirement announcement came after Collingwood had informed him of a delisting decision (AFL.com.au). However, Mitchell’s statement frames it as a voluntary retirement — a subtle but significant difference.

What was the reason for delisting?

• Collingwood had not publicly stated a reason before Mitchell’s announcement. The club’s captain, Darcy Moore, said they fully supported Mitchell’s choice (Collingwood Football Club (club statement)).

The catch: Whether you call it delisting or retirement, the outcome is the same — Mitchell is no longer on Collingwood’s list. The semantic debate matters only to the player’s legacy, and Mitchell has chosen his own version of events.

What is Tom Mitchell doing now?

Is Tom Mitchell playing any other sport?

• No. He has not indicated any professional involvement in another sport.

Is Tom Mitchell on social media?

• Yes. He maintains an active Instagram and TikTok presence under the handle @trmitchell, where he shares personal updates and occasional football memories.

Why this matters: Mitchell’s social media gives fans a window into his transition — without the formal press conference or media tour, his Instagram posts become the primary channel for his narrative.

Timeline

1. 2011: Drafted by Sydney Swans (Collingwood FC)
2. 2013: AFL debut for Sydney (Collingwood player page)
3. 2016: Traded to Hawthorn (SEN)
4. 2017–2018: Three consecutive best-and-fairest awards at Hawthorn (SEN (sports radio network))
5. 2018: Won Brownlow Medal (28 votes) and second All-Australian blazer (AFL.com.au; Collingwood FC)
6. 2022: Traded to Collingwood (7AFL)
7. 2023: Premiership with Collingwood (AFL.com.au)
8. 2024: Season ended by injury (Collingwood FC)
9. 2026: Announced retirement (AFL.com.au)

The arc shows a steep rise and a gradual fade, a typical pattern for elite midfielders.

Clarity check

Confirmed

• Tom Mitchell retired from AFL in 2026 (AFL.com.au)
• He won the Brownlow Medal in 2018 (AFL.com.au)
• He played 207 games for three clubs (7AFL)
• He was a premiership player with Collingwood in 2023 (SEN)

Unresolved

• Exact post-football career plans
• Whether Collingwood’s delisting discussion was initiated by the club or mutual
• Specific Melbourne location
• Exact nature of his 2024 injury
• Partner’s full name and details

The pattern: The only missing pieces are the details Mitchell chooses to keep private.

Quotes

“I’ve decided to retire from AFL football … I look forward to the next chapter.”

Tom Mitchell, retirement statement (AFL.com.au)

“Tom made the decision on his own terms, we fully support him.”

Darcy Moore, Collingwood captain (Collingwood Football Club)

For Collingwood fans, the trade-off is clear: they lose a former Brownlow winner who contributed to a premiership, but they also free a list spot for younger talent. Mitchell’s departure, whether voluntary or club-driven, marks the end of an era for a midfielder who once redefined contested possession.

Related reading: **Joel Selwood** · **Tayla Harris**

For a deeper look at his journey, Tom Mitchells career and trade details provide additional context on his time at Hawthorn and Collingwood.

Frequently asked questions